Michael Designs a Family

Zelda dressed reluctantly the following evening.

"Michael knows quite well that I hate going to Karaoke night, but he says making an ass of myself publicly is good for me," she fumed.

Severus hastily wiped the smirk off his face. He would dislike it if she always fussed over her appearance, but on rare occasions he thought it was endearing, like watching her play at dress-up. The eye makeup enhanced her lovely eyes, and her blouse allowed enough cleavage to be visible that it made him smile appreciatively.

"You look lovely," he told her.

"I won't do it," she said. "The kids stopped by our house and picked up some Indigo Girls albums, so Hermione can sing with Jess. Lily wants to make a spectacle of herself too, so I don't have to."

"Of course you don't," he said soothingly, his eyes glinting. "I would sooner hex everyone in sight than expose myself in such a way."

She rose and hugged him. "That's the best reason I've heard yet for wanting to do magic."

"We'll leave early and Apparate back here, if you wish," he promised.

"So thoughtful of you to suggest it. When we get back, will you take shameless advantage of me?" she asked with a hopeful smile.

Appraisingly he ran a thin finger along the neckline of her blouse, caressing first one soft breast, then the other. He touched his lips to hers and mischievously brushed the magical hickey on her neck with a light kiss. Although it was several days old, he felt her quiver.

"I'll be delighted to take advantage of you, pet," he breathed, pressing her against his body.

"No fair," she gasped, wrapping her arms around him and clinging. "We have to leave in two minutes!"

"I believe I've just ensured a very short visit," he said, admiring the parted lips and eyes wide with desire. "You're very sexy, my Zelda."

He squeezed her, patted her bum fondly and opened the bedroom door.

"Shall we go?" he asked silkily.

Michael and Kingsley were waiting in the kitchen. They both noticed Severus's smug expression first, and then Zelda's flushed cheeks. They looked at each other, stifling wicked laughter.

"All ready?" asked Kingsley.

Severus held Zelda's coat for her, and discreetly ran a finger over one visibly firm nipple, making her breath catch as she hastily buttoned up.

"All ready," she said breathlessly.

Severus wore his Muggle black leather jacket, which had become a surprisingly natural thing to wear over his Muggle clothing. He felt rather relaxed, not like grim Professor Snape of Hogwarts. Having Zelda to play silly, sexy games with was showing him a different side of life.

"Where are we going first?" he asked.

"Apparate to my house," said Michael. "The kids are waiting there and we'll walk together."

Severus took Zelda in his arms, concentrated, and then they were standing in darkness, in Michael's back yard. Reluctantly he released her from his embrace and reluctantly she stepped back.

"You're cute when you do Side-Along Apparition with Zelda," commented Kingsley.

"Cute?" asked Severus dangerously, his eyes narrowing.

"I withdraw my statement," said the Auror with a smirk.

The kitchen door opened and a crowd of young faces appeared.

"Come in and warm up. We're almost ready," called Elijah.

The kitchen was warm and bright, but Zelda noticed much of what made the place Michael's was already gone. Lily was absent, but the rest of the crowd was there. She turned first to Harry, who welcomed her hug.

"Are you having fun playing Muggle?" she asked, looking into his eyes closely.

"It's great," he assured her. "Lily and Eli know the coolest things to do, and Ron's trying to figure out if he can get a CD player to work at Hogwarts somehow."

She turned to Ron. "Muggle music?"

"It's fantastic! There's a thousand times more cool music by Muggles. I wonder if Dean Thomas knows about Bob Marley. People at Hogwarts never talk about Muggle music and stuff, even if they're Muggleborn. Movies too! It's a bloody shame."

"Ron, I could have shown you all kinds of things about Muggle music and movies if you'd had the slightest interest," Hermione said sternly.

"I know, but I was a bit of an idiot," he told her with a disarming smile.

Zelda looked at Michael and laughed slightly.

"We've conspired to contaminate this pure young wizard," he said.

Lily entered the kitchen, shaking back her long, shining hair.

"Sorry I kept you waiting," she said airily. "I'm ready when you are."

Kingsley gallantly held her coat for her as Ron and Harry watched closely. He could almost see the boys taking mental notes, and laughed at the thought of two teenage Casanovas dazzling the girls at Hogwarts.

Elijah rolled his eyes. "God, Lils, do you think you're the Prom Queen or something?"

She grinned at her brother. "Gone is the dork bookworm of yesteryear, brother mine. I might as well have some fun, especially when I'm in the company of so many gorgeous men."

Zelda chuckled in amazement at her worldly daughter. "How you've grown, Lily," she murmured.

Hermione had watched too, and saw the response of her two best friends to Lily Larsson-Graff. In the past she'd been quite intimidated by mature, self-confident girls and in fact, found them despicable. But she liked Lily a lot, after getting to know her in the past days, and knew there was more to her than simply a boy-crazy femme fatale.

The entire group walked cheerfully to the Blue Moon. It was only two blocks walk in the clear winter night, with hard snow crunching under their feet. There was a great deal of eager conversation as they all talked about their adventures in Muggle land.

"And tomorrow the weather's supposed to be warmer and sunny, Harry," Elijah said. "Will you take me for a ride?"

"Sure," said Harry, grinning. He couldn't wait to share his joy in flying with his new friend.

The Blue Moon was dim and smoky, but not so crowded. Under Zelda's direction they pushed several small tables together to make a space large enough for all of them.

Michael was hailed by several people and said, "We'll be along in a minute. I have to introduce Kingsley to some of the guys."

A young woman with pale skin and red hair came up to Zelda and hugged her.

"I've missed seeing you around, Zel," said Jess in her soft voice. "Michael told me you're serious about a guy."

"I am," replied Zelda. "Jess, do you remember Severus?"

Knowing what Zelda had told him of Jess's abused early years Severus spoke softly as he shook her hand. Jess's shy smile told him that he had judged her correctly.

The lights dimmed and the night's entertainment was about to begin.

"Okay, which of you plans to make a fool of yourself," asked Zelda mockingly.

"You'll sing, won't you?" asked Jess.

"Sweetie, you remember Hermione, don't you? She's been studying her Indigo Girls for this very moment. Why don't you two do it?"

"I'd like to join you, if it's okay," said Lily, surprisingly shy.

"Good deal. Figure out what you'll sing and go sign up," said Zelda efficiently.

"Mum, I can't believe you do this," said Elijah. "Since when?"

"I did it once in a while because Michael nagged me to do it so Jess could perform," she said, blushing. "It's not something I want widely known."

"I bet your students would love to flood in here and see you sing," he told her.

She shuddered slightly.

"Never mind that, it's starting," she snapped, frowning at her son's mischievous smile.

"First off, we have Jess, Lily and Hermione singing The Power of Two, originally by the Indigo Girls," said the announcer.

The opening bars of music caused the small crowd to quiet a bit, and Severus watched with interest as the three young women sang. Jess generously sang harmony for the others, who had sweet, but not remarkable voices. He pondered how even inconsequential activities such as this showed a person's true nature. Kindness had been rare enough in his life that it intrigued him to see new manifestations of it. He realized his stepdaughter was subtly encouraging Miss Granger, who was still uncertain, and he felt an absurd feeling of pride.

The evening dragged on at times, as some truly vile performances occurred. Severus gazed meaningfully at Zelda, hoping they could escape.

"Now, Zelda, Jess and friends are going to sing, Get Together, said the man at the microphone.

All three young women immediately surrounded Zelda, looking hopeful.

"Please, Mom? Just one song?" pleaded Lily.

Severus resigned himself to waiting and watched with interest.

Zelda followed the others meekly and smiled at her companions as the music started and she began to sing first.

"Love is but a song we sing and fear's the way we die," she sang in her low, sweet voice.

The rest joined in after the first verse, and Severus chuckled as he saw her deftly step back and let the younger women carry the tune. As people at nearby tables began to sing along he rolled his eyes. However, most magical people he knew were equally as stupid and sentimental as this. He thought of Celestina Warbeck, that most vile of magical singers and shuddered.

The song ended, and Zelda paused to say a few words to the others before returning to Severus.

"Let's go," she said with a hunted look behind her. "I said they could stay as long as they want, but underage people have to stay with grownups."

Severus helped her with her coat and escorted her efficiently out of the little place, into the shadow of the building.

"I considered Apparating from inside, but I am capable of discretion," he murmured, putting his arms around her.

They were suddenly at the cabin, standing in the snow under dazzling stars.

"Much better," she said quietly.

Severus pointed his wand at the door and it opened to allow Rowena to dash outside. They greeted her and watched as she dashed clear across the clearing and back again.

"What a good dog," said Zelda with a fond smile. "And what a wonderful husband you are. Do you remember making certain promises before we left this evening?"

"Ah, I did say I would take advantage of you."

He propelled her gently toward the cabin. Once they were inside, he pointed his wand, creating an invisible dog door that would let Rowena enter when she was ready.

"Come with me," he murmured, leading her to their bedroom. He undid one more button on her blouse and found the result quite alluring. He then began kissing her while his hand wandered down toward her breasts.

"Mmm…" she moaned. Warmth flooded her body and she fumbled to remove his leather jacket.

"Don't be hasty, little one. I shall decide how we proceed."

A brief flash of irritation appeared in her blue eyes in response to his high-handedness, which roused his controlling spirit.

"You'll enjoy submitting," he whispered, his eyes gleaming.

He pressed his lips to her neck and actually sucked the tender flesh, stimulating the lingering euphoria in his love mark and sending heat coursing through her. He watched her expression change to languorous adoration and she threw her head back, offering the mark to him again.

"Take off your blouse for me first," he suggested, smirking as she did it.

He studied her, standing before him with her lush breasts aching to be released from her bra. A wicked smile appeared in his eyes.

"Keep going," he commanded, watching for signs of resistance.

She fumbled, managing to remove the bra, and her bare breasts were most enticing.

"Ah, how sexy you look," he murmured, his eyes gleaming.

Severus saw capitulation in her eyes and decided to go further. He put his mouth to the mark on her neck again, sucking and kissing. She moaned and pressed against him, and that pressure inspired him to greater lengths.

"Take off the rest," he suggested. "Slowly."

Mesmerized, she stripped for him and offered her neck to him again. She wriggled and pressed against his fully clothed body.

"Now, who will decide?" he asked mockingly, feeling his own need build.

"You will," she gasped as the heat between her thighs increased.

Severus lay down on the bed, still dressed for the outdoors, boots, jacket and all. He undid the front of his black jeans.

"Come here, darling," he growled, holding out a hand.

Zelda climbed on top of him, moaning with pleasure. She looked down at his triumphant smirk, seeing herself reflected in his eyes, a plump, naked woman eagerly pleasuring him, her delicious breasts tantalizing him like ripe fruit.

She leaned forward, her skin coming in contact with his cold jacket, even as he reached up and caught a nipple in his mouth. Her orgasm was nearly upon her and fiercely she pressed on. She felt his climax and it was enough to send her over the edge. He locked his leather-clad arms around her as she panted, still joined with him.

A small smile played about Severus's thin lips.

"I won," he offered, holding her tightly.

Her eyes were warm and sated. "Congratulations," she said. "You won. But I think I did too."

Reluctantly he released her and tucked the comforter over her. He then stood up and got undressed, tossing his clothes on to a nearby chair before getting into bed with her.

"Lucky for you I have this stupid hickey," she murmured.

"Would it have gone much differently without it?"

She thought briefly, snuggling against his chest.

"Maybe not," she admitted.

&&&&&&&&&

Severus rose early, leaving Zelda still cozily asleep. He made coffee, fed Rowena and Crookshanks, and went to sit by the fire with a mug of coffee to warm his hands. Nothing could be more healing than frequent, enthusiastic sex. He'd spent too many bitter years stifling the need of his own body for comfort and release and feeling miserably sour. Now… Zelda's generous lovemaking drew a reminiscent smile from him.

He pondered how his life had changed. Looking back over his past, it was so shockingly diverse that it was hard to grasp. Voldemort and Dumbledore, Bellatrix and Zelda, Lily Evans and James Potter. He considered Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. They'd seemed so different, but now they seemed to be two sides of the same coin. Two friends, Kingsley and Michael, opposites, he'd thought, turned out to be very similar and defiantly in love with each other. He had much to learn about people.

The past evil he'd committed would weigh on him as long as he lived. He wished to correct the damage, but nothing would be enough. He'd hoped one grand gesture could wipe out the evil in his past, but that was simplistic. Michael had said that choosing to live every day honorably was the greater challenge. He realized Michael and Dumbledore understood things that he didn't.

A door opened and a disheveled Harry Potter appeared, putting his glasses on.

"Morning, Professor," he said rather shyly.

"Potter," he replied, nodding.

"Is Zelda awake?"

"Not yet," said Severus. "But I believe the smell of breakfast will lure her out."

He headed for the kitchen and began to cook bacon. He was not surprised when Potter followed.

"I'll help," the boy offered. Without waiting for a response, he put bread into the toaster and began to set the table.

As delicious aromas began wafting through the cabin, Severus knowingly poured a cup of coffee. A minute later Zelda came out wearing the warm, thick bathrobe she'd gotten from her children and her new bunny slippers.

"I smell breakfast," she said, accepting the cup from her husband with a happy smile and putting her face up for a kiss.

"Hi, Harry. Did they make you get up on stage after I left?" she asked.

He grinned. "I headed for the bathroom when Michael tried to get me up there. I dunno what Hermione and Lily see in it. Karaoke's fun to watch, but you won't catch me up there."

She chuckled. "What's on your agenda for today?"

He glanced at the blue sky outside the window. "Elijah wants to fly and it's perfectly clear today. So we'll fly."

"Ginny's coming later, isn't she?"

"Yeah," he said shortly.

"Is it going to be weird for her, coming later? I hope she and my kids will get along," Zelda said anxiously.

"Zelda! Lily and Elijah are grown. You talk like they're twelve," said Harry.

"Occasionally I forget," she said, smiling ruefully. "But I hope she won't be hurt because she's joining us later. It was Michael's idea, you know. It seems that you, Hermione and Ron have officially joined the rest of us, adopted into Michael's wacky family."

"I think it's okay. Michael knows us better than he knows her." Harry smiled tentatively. "I can't believe we can come here whenever we want."

"Harry, it's yours, it's ours, in fact," she said. "It's such a typical Michael idea. Like summer camp, where we'll all play together and take care of the place. He always wanted a family, you know, so he just picked a bunch of us up and adopted us."

Severus realized that Zelda read Michael's motive quite accurately. It was odd, he thought, but not offensive to be included in Michael's surrogate family.

"Why don't you see if Ron's ready to wake up?" asked Zelda. "Since Ginny's coming, it'd be nice if someone gets up to see her."

Okay," he answered amiably. He looked forward to Ginny's arrival, but he was rather concerned about how she'd react to Lily and Elijah. He wasn't sure why, however. Maybe he'd ask Hermione about it.

Once Harry was off, Severus turned to Zelda.

"You look absurd in those slippers," he commented.

She chuckled. "They're a family tradition. Lily first gave me bunny slippers when she was seven. We got matching ones for years, and after she got too cool to wear them, they decided I should always have them."

"You're a wonderful mother," he said thoughtfully.

"I did my best," she said, shrugging. "It's all anyone can do, isn't it? But I can't take credit for the kids. They're each who they were born to be, and at times the best thing a parent can do is to get out of their way and let them decide what to do."

Bedroom doors began opening and people began appearing.

"Coffee," groaned Michael.

Zelda quickly filled a mug and handed it to him.

"Good morning, sunshine. Did you have fun last night?"

Severus handed a steaming mug to Kingsley, who nodded gratefully.

"I'd say we had fun," said Kingsley. He glanced around at the younger people. "Good to see you all made it back."

Ron and Harry looked knowingly at Elijah, who smirked at them.

"Guys, I think these old people wore themselves out last night. Let's finish cooking so we can eat soon. I'm starving."

So the three young men swarmed in and took over the kitchen with a great sound of clanging and laughter, while the adults retired to the fireplace.

Hermione came out of her room, but she was holding a book. After a brief greeting, she headed for the armchair that had become a favorite spot and began reading.

Zelda smiled benevolently on the girl. "I love to see someone with the right priorities," she murmured.

"Now we're only waiting for Miss Lily. I wonder if she'll sleep 'til noon," said Michael.

"She'll be here soon," said Kingsley softly. "She's curious to see if Harry's girlfriend is worthy of her new little brother."

Severus managed not to roll his eyes at this statement, but it was annoying that Zelda was not the only member of her family to be charmed by bloody Potter.

"Did she say that?" asked Zelda, amused. "I wonder if she's forgotten these three aren't actually her newfound little relatives, and they're scarily magical, to boot."

"That girl has twice the sense of all three put together," said Kingsley. "She's mad about them all. It's not a common thing for wizards to have close, non-magical friends, but it's good for all of them, I think."

Michael smiled benevolently around at all of them. "I'm enjoying this Christmas holiday. I hope all of you are too."

"I feel like a bloody kid again," replied Kingsley. "There's an immature quality about you on holiday, Mike. You're completely different when you're at St. Mungo's or busy shooting people with your pretty rifle. It's all part of your odd charm, isn't it?"

Michael grinned, refusing to be baited.

"Hey!" exclaimed Elijah. "I'm going to wake that lazy sister of mine and we're going to eat now. Harry's going to take me for a ride on his Firebolt after breakfast."

"It smells great, boy," said Michael. "Let's eat."

Severus gallantly helped his wife to her feet and escorted her to the table, pondering Michael's new family and his place in it. It was not, he decided, an unacceptable thing.